MINI Cooper S vs. Citroën DS3 vs. Alfa Romeo MiTo

Yet another comparison of the MINI Cooper S and the Citroen DS3, this time with the Alfa Romeo MiTo thrown in. Unlike previous comparisons, the MINI doesn’t come out on top in Auto Express‘s tests.

The [Cloverleaf] name features on the latest range-topping MiTo, which is powered by a 170bhp version of the Italian company’s new 1.4-litre MultiAir engine. But the MiTo Cloverleaf has a really tough job on its hands – because it goes head-to-head with the MINI Cooper S. And the Alfa isn’t the only newcomer with the retro-styled, British-built model in its sights.

We have already been impressed by the Citroen DS3 after a 118bhp version ran the lesser MINI Cooper close on its road test debut in Issue 1,103. Here, we test the more powerful DSport model, which promises to be a serious contender for honours. But does that spell bad luck for the four-leaf Alfa Romeo?